Tokyo With Kids: A Practical Family Travel Guide

Planning a family trip to Tokyo? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Tokyo is big, bold and brilliant for families. A place where centuries-old traditions meet neon-lit modern life, and there’s something to surprise you around every corner. This Tokyo travel guide for families with kids will help you make the most of your trip. We’re going to talk about the practical side of your Tokyo holiday, including where to stay, how to get around, and what to expect when eating out with kids.

👉 For a full list of fun attractions and experiences, check out our Things to do in Tokyo With Kids article.

Getting to Tokyo

If you’re flying in from Australia, chances are you’ll arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Both airports are family-friendly and easy to navigate. For a great deal on flights, try Flight Centre, Sky Scanner or Trip.com.

• Haneda is closer to central Tokyo (about 30 minutes by train or taxi), so it’s more convenient if you’re staying in the city.
• Narita is about an hour away, but has great transport links including the Narita Express (N’EX) and Airport Limousine Buses.

Tip: If your budget allows it, it’s hard to beat a private transfer from the airport to your hotel when travelling with tired kids and luggage. The first class option is a bit of fun, with leather seats that recline all the way back and plenty of room for families.

Getting around Tokyo with kids

Tokyo’s public transport is incredibly efficient, clean and safe. But it can also be overwhelming at first, especially during peak hour.

• Trains and subways are your best bet for getting around. Kids under 6 ride free on most lines.
• Get a PASMO or Suica card – they work on almost all train, subway and bus lines and save you the hassle of buying individual tickets.
• If you’re travelling with a pram, look for elevators. They’re available at most stations, but not all, and sometimes hidden down long corridors.

Taxis are also readily available in Tokyo but it’s a much more expensive option than taking the train or subway.

• The Go Taxi app is popular in Tokyo for booking taxis. Download it here for Apple and here for Android.
• The DiDi Taxi app can also be used to book taxis in Tokyo. Download it here for Apple and here for Android.

Tip: Google Maps will help you navigate routes with instructions on which train to take and from which platform. Of course, this all relies on you having access to affordable data on your phone. We love these eSims for travel for when we can’t use the hotel WiFi.

Where to stay in Tokyo with kids

Tokyo is made up of distinct neighbourhoods, and where you stay can really shape your experience. We recommend choosing somewhere with easy access to transport and family-friendly food.

• Shinjuku: Bustling and central, with great transport connections. Best for families with older kids or teens.
• Ueno: Close to Ueno Zoo, museums and parks – and great for younger kids.
• Asakusa: A bit more traditional, with easy access to Tokyo Skytree and Sumida River walks.
• Tokyo Bay/Odaiba: Home to theme parks, shopping malls, and wide open spaces – ideal for younger kids.

👉 Check out our hotel review of MONday Apart Premium in Nihonbashi and other family-friendly accommodation across the city (this link will return shortly – it’s currently getting a facelift).

Eating in Tokyo with kids

Don’t worry, your kids won’t go hungry in Tokyo. While there are plenty of adventurous food options, there’s also no shortage of kid-friendly meals.

• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are a lifesaver. Here you’ll find bento boxes, fruit, milk, snacks and even hot meals.
• Family restaurants like Gusto, Saizeriya, and Denny’s have Western and Japanese options with picture menus. You’ll also find International fast-food brands such as McDonalds and KFC.
• Department store food halls are fantastic for takeaway meals and snacks for a picnic.
• Themed food experiences can be a fun way to splurge on a meal in Tokyo.

👉 Check out our review of the Pokemon Cafe in Nihombashi – was it worth the expense? (Apologies, this link will return shortly – it’s currently getting a facelift).

Tip: Many restaurants have menus with pictures, so you can point to what you want. High chairs aren’t always available, so be prepared to sit babies on your lap.

Other tips for families

• Toilets: Public toilets are everywhere, clean, and often equipped with change tables and kid seats. If you don’t have a degree in rocket science, you may have trouble operating it. 👉 Read our guide to understanding the toilet in Japan (this link will return shortly)
• Language: Most signage includes English, and people are helpful even if they don’t speak much of it. Many taxi drivers use Google Translate.
• Cash vs card: Many places accept cards, but it’s still useful to carry some cash – especially for smaller eateries and vending machines.

What to do in Tokyo with kids

We’ve got a whole separate article packed with family-friendly fun, from futuristic museums to quirky cafés and cultural experiences. Head here for our top picks: 👉Things to do in Tokyo With Kids.

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Planning to see more of Japan?

Don’t forget to check out our Japan Page for more family-friendly travel inspiration, hotel reviews, and Japan destination guides.

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Where to next?

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